Detroit Tigers vs Baltimore Orioles Picks and Predictions September 13th 2024

Orioles and Tigers Face Off in Must-Win Series with Playoff Hopes on the Line

As the season nears its end, the Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers find themselves in a crucial series with major postseason implications. The Orioles are battling to stay in the hunt for the American League East crown, while the Tigers, in a surprise twist, are still chasing a Wild Card spot. With a lot riding on the outcome, this three-game set in Detroit, starting on Friday, could be a game-changer for both teams.

Orioles’ Playoff Push Faces Some Bumps

The Baltimore Orioles (83-64) started the season on fire, but their second half hasn’t been as smooth. Since the All-Star break, they’ve gone 25-26 and slipped two games behind the New York Yankees in the AL East race. After soaring to a 20-games-over-.500 first half, they’ve now lost five of their last seven games, including a gut-wrenching 5-3, 10-inning loss to the Red Sox on Wednesday. Tyler O’Neill’s walk-off three-run homer was a tough pill to swallow for a team looking to regain momentum.

Baltimore’s offense, which was once one of the most dangerous in the league, has gone quiet lately. They’ve only managed 15 runs over their last seven games. Manager Brandon Hyde is still seeing some positives but knows the team needs to “put it all together” to get back on track and stay in the playoff race.

Zach Eflin Aims to Get the Orioles Back on Track

Zach Eflin (10-8, 3.65 ERA) will be tasked with starting the series off right for Baltimore. Eflin has been a solid presence in the Orioles’ rotation, especially after returning from a shoulder issue in early September. He looked sharp in a seven-inning, one-run performance against the Rockies but was more human in his last start, giving up three runs over 5 2/3 innings against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Eflin has had limited experience against the Tigers, but his lone start against them went well, earning him a win after allowing just one run over five innings. The Orioles need him to deliver another solid outing to halt their recent skid and set the tone for the series.

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Tigers Surprising Everyone with a Late Playoff Pusha

On the flip side, the Detroit Tigers are making an unexpected run for a Wild Card spot. Despite being labeled as sellers at the trade deadline, the Tigers are only 3.5 games out of the final AL Wild Card spot. Their four-game win streak was snapped with a 4-2 loss to the Rockies on Thursday, but this young team is still brimming with optimism and confidence.

Spencer Torkelson continues to be the spark for Detroit’s offense, adding a two-run double in Thursday’s loss. Catcher Jake Rogers also highlighted the team’s turnaround, saying it feels different to be contending instead of rebuilding. The Tigers have fought through adversity, and their resilience could make them a serious challenge for the Orioles in this high-stakes series.

Tigers’ Pitching Situation in Flux

The Tigers’ pitching staff has some question marks heading into Friday’s game. They haven’t announced a starter yet, and Thursday’s game brought some extra anxiety when ace Tarik Skubal, a contender for the AL Cy Young Award, injured his non-throwing hand. Fortunately, X-rays came back negative, and he stayed in the game, but any lingering issues could spell trouble for a team that relies heavily on him.

With the rotation in flux, Detroit will need its bullpen to step up in this series, especially if they have to piece together Friday’s game without a set starter. How they handle their pitching staff could make or break this series for the Tigers.

Orioles’ Offensive Struggles: Can They Turn It Around?

The biggest issue for Baltimore right now is their offense. They’ve been struggling to find clutch hits, and it’s been costing them. Brandon Hyde mentioned the team has been making solid contact, but they’ve had some tough luck with hard-hit balls landing in the gloves of defenders. The Orioles need to get their bats going if they want to make a serious postseason push.

Guys like Cedric Mullins and Anthony Santander will be critical in this series, and they’ll need to step up in a big way. Baltimore can’t afford to keep losing ground in the AL East, so reigniting the offense is priority number one.

What to Watch For:

Can Zach Eflin Lead the Orioles to a Key Win?
Eflin has been the Orioles’ most reliable starter lately, and they’ll need him to deliver a strong performance to keep Detroit’s offense in check. His success could be key in stopping Baltimore’s slide and helping them regain momentum.

Will the Orioles’ Offense Wake Up?
The Orioles’ playoff hopes hang on their ability to score runs. If they can get some timely hitting and put pressure on Detroit early in the series, it might be enough to spark a late-season surge.

Tigers’ Resilience in Their Playoff Push:
Despite the odds, the Tigers are still very much in the playoff hunt. Their young core has been resilient, and they’ve found ways to win games even after losing key players at the deadline. This series gives them a prime opportunity to get even closer to a Wild Card spot.

Detroit’s Pitching Uncertainty:
With no named starter for Friday and some concerns about Skubal’s health, the Tigers’ pitching situation could be the series’ turning point. How they manage their arms, particularly their bullpen, will be critical.

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Both Teams Desperate for Wins

Both the Orioles and Tigers are hungry for wins, but for very different reasons:

• For Baltimore: They’re two games behind the Yankees in the AL East and need every win they can get to stay in the hunt for the division title. With just 15 games left, time is running out for them to recapture their early-season magic.
• For Detroit: The Tigers, who are still considered underdogs, have a realistic shot at a Wild Card spot. Every win keeps their playoff hopes alive, and this series against a faltering Orioles team is a golden opportunity to gain some ground.

Series Outlook and What’s at Stake

This series holds massive importance for both teams:

• For the Orioles: It’s about survival. They can’t afford to lose games to teams lower in the standings. A strong offensive showing and solid pitching could help them stay in the race for the AL East.
• For the Tigers: This is their chance to show they belong in the playoff conversation. A series win or, even better, a sweep would put them right in the thick of the Wild Card chase and potentially knock the Orioles down a peg.

Conclusion

The Orioles vs. Tigers series is set up to be a thrilling, high-stakes matchup. Baltimore is desperate to get back into the AL East race, while Detroit is making an unexpected playoff push. Both teams have a lot on the line, and the outcome of this series could define the rest of their seasons.

Expect an intense battle with both teams leaving it all on the field. The Orioles need a big bounce-back performance, and the Tigers are hungry to prove they belong in the postseason mix